A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the procurement and operation of three hydrogen-powered buses, with a total project outlay of ₹8.7 crore, under the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Initiative was exchanged today between the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster (Kerala HVIC) Foundation and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) at the Aero Lounge, CIAL. The exchange took place in the presence of Kerala Cabinet Ministers, Shri K. Krishnankutty, Hon’ble Minister for Electricity and Shri P. Rajeeve, Hon’ble Minister for Industries.
The MoA was exchanged by Shri Harshil R. Meena IAS, Chairman and Managing Director, Kerala HVIC Foundation (and CEO, ANERT), and Shri Suhas S. IAS, Managing Director, CIAL. Dr. Ranjith Krishna Pai (Scientist F / Senior Director – Climate, Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) under Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India) was also present. DST is supporting the development of Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters across the country under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
The concept of a Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster is globally recognised as an integrated, place-based approach to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen technologies. HVICs bring together production, storage, distribution, and end-use of hydrogen within a defined geographic region, supported by enabling infrastructure, policy frameworks, R&D institutions, and industry partnerships. Such clusters help reduce costs through scale, de-risk early adoption, and foster innovation and skills development, while creating a complete hydrogen ecosystem rather than isolated pilot projects.
Internationally, hydrogen valleys are seen as critical stepping stones for transitioning hydrogen technologies from demonstration to commercial deployment. By integrating mobility, industrial use, energy storage, and power applications, HVICs contribute to decarbonisation, energy security, and green economic growth.
Kerala, through ANERT and Kerala HVIC, is taking a leadership role in adopting this global concept and contextualising it to India’s needs. The hydrogen valley being developed across Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram is envisioned as a comprehensive platform to demonstrate real-world hydrogen applications, build indigenous capabilities, attract investment, and position the State—and the country—on the global hydrogen map.
Also Read: Kerala to Lead Hydrogen Revolution with HVIC-Kerala Initiative
ANERT is the State Nodal Agency for Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen in the State of Kerala and has been at the forefront of Kerala’s clean energy journey, driving policy-backed deployment, innovation pilots, and emerging initiatives. ANERT is the lead agency for Kerala HVIC executing with a group of partners, mainly in the public sector. This hydrogen valley being set up in Kochi and Trivandrum promises to put Kerala and India firmly on the global hydrogen map. Some of the other initiatives in the valley include hydrogen powered water transport, biogenic hydrogen production pathways, hydrogen blending, R&D and capability building of green hydrogen ecosystem.
CIAL is a global pioneer in sustainable airport operations and continues to lead India’s clean energy transition through strategic collaborations. Adding to the recognition of world’s first fully solar-powered airport and India’s first PPP airport, CIAL in collaboration with BPCL has also commissioned South India’s First Hydrogen Refuelling Station (HRS). The HRS will support the refuelling of the vehicles procured under the MoA.
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